A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
49%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Martinsville Virginia National
Cost of living88111100
Groceries102103100
Health care105103100
Housing51129100
Transportation103105100
Utilities102104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102103100
Household Items104102100
Education & Childcare107109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Martinsville, VA

The cost of living in Martinsville affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Martinsville is 88, which is 12% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Martinsville distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 49.2% below the national average. This indicates that both owning a home and renting in this area are notably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the nation. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Martinsville can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

Is Martinsville Affordable?

Is Martinsville affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Martinsville, the median home price is 56.9% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 31.2% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Martinsville boasting a median household income of $53,215, 34.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Martinsville?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Martinsville, the housing index is 49.2% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Martinsville, the general sales tax rate starts at 5.3%, and income tax rates begin at 2%.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Martinsville comes in at 1.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Martinsville cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Martinsville is 21% lower than the Virginia average
  • The cost of living in Martinsville is 12% lower than the national average
  • Martinsville housing is 49% lower than the national average
  • Virginia general sales tax is 4% higher than the national average
  • Virginia state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Martinsville

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Compare Martinsville, VA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$75,172$6,264$1,754$2,255
      Renters$41,876$3,490$977$1,256
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Martinsville, VA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Martinsville have a median income of $75,172. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,754 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $41,876, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $977.

      Virginia Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Virginia 5.3% 6%

      Virginia Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Virginia 2% 5.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fieldale, VA1,1258812.1%
      Eden, NC15,4558811.6%
      Sandy Level, VA7449010.3%
      Collinsville, VA7,1989010.2%
      Oak Level, VA4829010.1%
      Martinsville, VA13,1468812.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Clarkston, GA13,147973.3%
      St. Ann, MO13,1438614.1%
      Key Biscayne, FL13,140269169.5%
      Greenville, OH13,1358514.6%
      Fort Bliss, TX13,15711514.7%
      Martinsville, VA13,1468812.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.